Review of the 19th Pilot Cutter Review 2025
Plus a look to 2026
From Fowey to St Mawes
Gathering in the Fowey Gallants Sailing Club Thursday 29th of May
It was amazing to see 42 sailors, plus some bystanders at the bar, sitting down to a meal together.
Passage Race from Fowey
A light SW Wind made exiting Fowey an interesting challenge, one that Tallulah showed her experience of local conditions.
The SW wind was fluky and there were two main options, inshore or way offshore but I’m not clear what proved the most successful. We have had faster passages but it did make for interesting strategies.
First Across the Line – Eran Mor
Winner on Handicap time – Marian
Bohella Bar
Friday Evening Social in Bohella Bar and Weekend Race briefing from the Race Officer, Nigel Sharp from St Mawes Sailing Club.
It was good to see some old faces and some new ones. The terrace was a great gathering spot.
Saturday 10 am Race
The racing got off to a great start with all pilot cutters getting across the start line very close to the start time. The best was achieved by Alpha a mere 2 seconds before she crossed the line. It seems all the cutters now have a good understanding of the start procedure.
As the last of three by three starts ended there was a line of Pilot Cutters from Carricknath Point to just off Pendennis Point, the view was awe inspiring. I’ve watched all the Pilot Cutter Reviews from the water and it still gives me huge pleasure to see these beautiful boats in full sail filling the seascape.
The wind was mostly F3-4 from the SW. Sea state slight, visibility good except for about 20 minutes in a light rain shower.
The winner on Handicap time was – Eve of St Mawes who displayed really skilful sailing and racing skills. As a past owner I was very chuffed.
Saturday 14:30hrs Race
There were two other racing fleets in the Carrick Roads in the afternoon and the Race Officer, Nigel, made very careful arrangements and course selection to make sure none of the marks the Pilot Cutter’s used were the same as the other race fleets. There were some crossings of paths but nothing untoward as everyone sailed with good care and attention to other craft.
The wind was mostly F3-4 from the SW. but veering to the West by the end of the race. Sea state slight, visibility good with 4/8 cloud cover.
The winner on Handicap was – Eve of St Mawes, another great performance from the smallest pilot cutter in the fleet.
Truro River
Saturday Evening the Pilot Cutters disappeared from St Mawes harbour and tied up on the Pontoon just north of Smugglers Cottage in the Truro River. According to reports all had a good time apart from the swan that felt there were too many dogs about.
Sunday afternoon Racing 13:00hrs
Wind was again from the SW but increased to F4-5 with some nice white horses.
The Race Officer, Nigel, had the whole of the Fal to choose his race course from today as no other classes were racing in the areas the Pilot Cutters can sail in.
Due to withdrawals there were only 7 Pilot Cutter racing and the starts were not as good as on the Saturday. Unusual to see vessels approaching the start line from up wind and on the wrong side but being careful not to impede anyone and smartly gybing around to start the race.
The sea state was bigger in the outer reaches and the wind strength favoured the bigger craft.
This was the day when the Pilot Cutter showed what they are made off, brushing aside the seas and sailing with gaff topsails set; other less sea worthy sailing vessels had headed for shelter.
The course set was a longer course with plenty of reaches and five beats to windward. All the Pilot Cutters got around within the time limit but it was close!
The wind had peaked during the race and had veered to the west and soon to the north west by the time racing was over.
The Handicap Winner was Alpha and despite the better conditions for a bigger pilot cutter Eve of St Mawes came second.
Prize Giving
The Prize Giving was in St Mawes Sailing Club and we had a hearty welcome from the Club Commodore John Andrew, many thanks JA.
Prizes were awarded to the winners as shown here plus some extras,
Two New Trophies had been given to Classic Sailing by Keynvor Morlift Ltd as follows:
- Fowey Passage Race Line Honours – Eron Mor
- St Mawes Series Line Honours – fastest overall time for three races – Eron Mor
The Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter Owners Association also kindly donated a Prize for the best performing original Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter. Three original cutters took part and we hope for more in the future. Alpha, Marguerite and Marian.
Winner – Alpha,
For the three races from the St Mawes start line the prize for the best start went to Alpha
Classic Sailing would like to thank:
Our Sponsors
This event is made possible by our generous sponsors.
H Tiddy Estate Agents
Trusted property experts based in St Mawes and the Roseland.
Keynvor Morlift Ltd
UK-wide marine contractors offering offshore and coastal support.
The Fowey Harbour Commissioners for allocating a pontoon for the Pilot Cutters and their assistance with the event.
Fowey Gallants Sailing Club for hosting the welcome gathering. Thanks Paula.
Denaros for the supper in the club, thanks to Frankie, excellent supper.
St Mawes Harbour Commissioners for free anchoring in St Mawes Harbour and their help with the event over three days.
Thom on the water taxi was brilliant.
Bohella Bar, St Mawes for hosting the Friday evening gathering and facilitating the Race briefing for the weekend, thank you Simon and Anna.
- The Race Officer, Nigel Sharp, and the safety boat. This was achieved with fantastic skill and humour, thank you.
- The Prize Giving and supper on Sunday evening, thanks to:
- The Commodore John Andrew
- The bar staff and catering, Anna and John
Truro Harbour Commissioners for allocating a pontoon on the Truro River for the Pilot Cutters.
Thank you to the wonderful Pilot Cutters and their owners,
- Alice Wragg
- Alpha
- Eran Mor
- Eve of St Mawes
- Jan Rolan
- Marguerite
- Marian
- Mischief
- Tallulah
The 20th Pilot Cutter Review in 2026
Provisional dates
- Thursday 28 May 2026
- Gathering in Fowey
- Friday 29 May
- Passage race to St Mawes
- Race briefing in Bohella Bar and super
- Saturday 30th May 2026
- Two races in the Fal
- Evening gathering up the River Fal
- Sunday 31st May 2026
- One race in the Fal
- Prize giving in St Mawes Sailing Club
Better not Bigger in 2026 – 20th Pilot Cutter Review
As 2026 will be the 20th Pilot Cutter Review we want to make it special.
If you have any ideas that might help with this please let us know.
We are keen to see the return of some past entrants.
We are likely to set up a way cutters can participate without joining the actual racing.
A huge thank you to everyone.
All the best
Adam
PS Provisional Dates 20th Pilot Cutter Review 2026
Dates 28th to 31st of May 2026
